AI Image
Putin's Kostiantynivka proposal aims to seize city, push toward Kramatorsk, Zelensky says
The Kyiv Independent • • world
Key Points:
- Russian President Vladimir Putin proposed a temporary "humanitarian mission" in Kostiantynivka, eastern Ukraine, which Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky criticized as a tactic to allow Russian forces to enter and occupy the city.
- Zelensky described the proposal as a "primitive move" and warned that a ceasefire could enable Russian troops to reposition strategically in and around Kostiantynivka, a key obstacle to Russia's control of Donetsk Oblast.
- The proposal was conveyed to Zelensky by U.S. negotiators, but Ukraine has refused it, emphasizing that the city remains under Ukrainian control and fighting continues inside Kostiantynivka.
- Zelensky highlighted Ukraine's efforts to evacuate civilians and warned that surrendering Kostiantynivka would lead to further Russian advances into other Donbas cities such as Kramatorsk and Sloviansk.
- Despite ongoing conflict, Ukraine maintains that it controls Kostiantynivka and continues to counter Russian infiltration attempts, while Russia has not proposed humanitarian missions for other blockaded settlements with civilians.
